Fundamental Human Rights of Women: Islamic Panacea for Rights Abuses

Rafatu Abdul Hamid

doi:10.18326/mlt.v4i1.99-116

Abstract

Fundamental human rights provisions had continued to feature very prominently in the successive constitutions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In addition, there had been a rise in the activities of human right groups in Nigeria in order to ensure the protection of fundamental human rights of all people. Despite all these, women fundamental human rights abuse was on the increase in Nigeria. The case of domestic violence, kidnapping, sexual harassment, women trafficking, killings, denial of the right to Education etc, are common occurrences. These abuses among others are responsible for physical and psychological underdevelopment of women and girl child which in turn affects their input in the development of their nation. It is against this backdrop that this paper examines two abuses of women fundamental human rights: abuse of right to life and education. The paper also discusses the instrumentality of effective use of the Islamic panacea in tackling the abuse of women fundamental human rights in Nigeria. The study relied on primary and secondary sources of information. It concludes by recommending that, for the full observance of human rights, an international control must be set up to supervise enforcement, as well as the education of the women and society in general.

Highlights

The concept of human rights has become a global issue because of the realization of the role human right could play in the development of a society
“The Role of the National Human Rights Commission in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights” paper presented at a 2 day Workshop for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Journalists in NorthEastern Zone organized by the National Human Rights Commission in collaboration with the Network for Justice (NJ) at Zaranda Hotel, Bauchi, from 14th –15th December 1999
The study reveals that there are many negative practices prevalent in Nigeria which affect the rights of women in general and Muslim women in particular

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The concept of human rights has become a global issue because of the realization of the role human right could play in the development of a society. According to Wright, as stated by Yusuf these rights include the right of life,the right to an adequate standard of living, freedom from torture 4and other maltreatment freedom of religion and of expression, freedom of movement, the right to self-determination, the right to education, and the right to participation in cultural and political life[10] From these various points of view, fundamental human right can be explained as the basic universal inalienable social rights which should be enjoyed by all human beings regardless of their religion, race, ethnicity, gender and status. Allah’s wisdom and foresight can never be compared with those of a man; that is the more reason why all that He has declared good remains good forever and what He had declared bad remains bad forever Another difference is that human rights laws granted by humans are not spiritual, not compulsory on anybody, while those given by Allah form an integral part of Islamic faith. The study used both primary and secondary sources of information

AND DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION